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Veteran Florida Deputy Killed, Colleague and Locksmith Wounded During Eviction at Gated Community

10:51 PM, 11/21/2025
Veteran Florida Deputy Killed, Colleague and Locksmith Wounded During Eviction at Gated Community

A veteran Indian River County deputy, Terri Mashkow, 47, was fatally shot while serving an eviction notice at the Bermuda Club near Vero Beach. A second deputy and a locksmith were wounded; the suspect, Michael Halberstam, was also shot and is in critical condition. Deputies had responded to seven complaints at the residence this month. Investigators are reviewing physical evidence, body-camera footage and the suspect’s social media as the probe continues.

A veteran Indian River County deputy was fatally shot and two others were wounded Friday while attempting to serve an eviction notice at the Bermuda Club, an upscale gated community near Vero Beach, Sheriff Eric Flowers said.

Deputy Terri Mashkow, 47, who had served with the department for 25 years and 16 days, was killed. A second deputy, Florentino "Tino" Arizpe, also a 25-year veteran, and an accompanying locksmith were wounded. The suspect, identified by the sheriff as Michael Halberstam, was shot and was undergoing surgery in critical condition, Flowers said.

What happened

Sheriff Flowers said deputies were responding to an eviction at the home where Halberstam was living with his mother. The mother had reportedly called deputies multiple times about her son; investigators say the department had responded to seven complaints at the residence this month. Flowers called the eviction a routine call for service.

When Deputy Mashkow, Sergeant Gary Carlos and another deputy arrived with a locksmith at the entryway, the suspect grabbed a firearm and began firing, striking Arizpe in the shoulder and wounding Mashkow and the locksmith, the sheriff said. Carlos was not hit. Carlos and possibly Arizpe returned fire, and the suspect was also wounded.

Investigation and background

Flowers said investigators are reviewing the scene, body-worn camera footage and the suspect’s social media. Authorities reported two prior arrests for Halberstam in Virginia: a 2006 narcotics charge and a 2015 misdemeanor assault. Sheriff Flowers said they identified social media posts critical of the sheriff’s office and other troubling material during the initial probe.

The wounded were transported by police escort to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce. Flowers said it is not yet clear whether Deputy Mashkow fired her weapon; a full investigation is ongoing.

Community reaction

Vero Beach officials and neighbors expressed sorrow and support for the family and the department. Sheriff Flowers described the day as "awful," noting Mashkow is only the second line-of-duty death for the department in its 100-year history.

Authorities asked anyone with information or video of the incident to contact the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation is active and details may change as more evidence is reviewed.

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